By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora – PNA News
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday issued an advisory to more than 29,400 Filipinos in Israel to take the “necessary precautions” following the escalation of hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial said the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has alerted Filipinos to, among others, avoid public places, particularly in Netivot, Sha’ar Hanegev, Ashkelon, Eshkol, Ashdod, Sderot, Beersheba, and other areas near Gaza, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights.
The envoy cited reports from Israeli sources that more than 400 projectiles were fired into Israel from Gaza, prompting Israel to retaliate with air strikes on Monday.
According to reports, the Palestinian militant groups had already accepted an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire to end the exchange of fire with Israel.
Meanwhile, Imperial urged all Filipinos who may require the Embassy’s assistance to call +972 54 466 1188.
According to the United Nations, the situation in Gaza Strip had been volatile since March 2018 demonstrations started to protest Israel’s blockade in the self-governing Palestinian territory and the deteriorating living conditions there.
The latest violence reportedly erupted when an Israeli special forces operation was exposed several miles into the Strip.
Since March, the inter-governmental body estimated that more than 150 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces and more than 10,000 demonstrators have been injured.
